Chris Petersen

Chris Petersen is a distinguished American football coach, renowned for his impactful tenure as head coach at Boise State University and the University of Washington. His coaching journey began at UC Davis, where he served as the head freshman coach in 1987. Petersen quickly advanced to the varsity level, becoming the receivers coach and later the quarterbacks coach at Pittsburgh, where he notably guided quarterback Alex Van Pelt to a standout season with over 3,100 passing yards.

Petersen’s career took a significant leap when he joined Boise State in 2001 as the offensive coordinator, eventually becoming head coach in 2006. Under his leadership, the Broncos achieved remarkable success, including two BCS bowl victories in the 2007 and 2010 Fiesta Bowls. His innovative coaching style and strategic acumen earned him the prestigious Paul “Bear” Bryant Award twice, solidifying his reputation as one of college football’s elite coaches.

In 2014, Petersen took the helm at the University of Washington, where he continued to excel. He led the Huskies to the College Football Playoff in 2016 and secured two Pac-12 championships in 2016 and 2018. His ability to develop talent and foster a winning culture was evident as he consistently guided his teams to bowl games, culminating in a head coaching record of 147 wins against 38 losses.

Petersen’s legacy is marked by his commitment to excellence, player development, and a deep understanding of the game. His contributions to college football have left an indelible mark, inspiring future generations of coaches and players alike.